Occupy's Cost: $13 Million

Daniel Halper

During the first two months of the nationwide Occupy protests, the movement that is demanding more out of the wealthiest Americans cost local taxpayers at least $13 million in police overtime and other municipal services, according to a survey by The Associated Press.

The heaviest financial burden has fallen upon law enforcement agencies tasked with monitoring marches and evicting protesters from outdoor camps. And the steepest costs by far piled up in New York City and Oakland, Calif., where police clashed with protesters on several occasions.

The AP gathered figures from government agencies in 18 cities with active protests and focused on costs through Nov. 15, the day protesters were evicted from New York City's Zuccotti Park, where the protests began Sept. 17 before spreading nationwide. The survey did not attempt to tally the price of all protests but provides a glimpse into costs to cities large and small.

The estimate seems to be on the low end, since only select cities were surveyed. And the estimate does not incorporate the costs to local businesses due to Occupy.

At least in Boston, there will soon be (temporary) relief. The Boston Herald reports:

Occupy Boston’s tent city is no settlement of hardy New England Pilgrims. Many of the unwashed and infamous Dewey Square squatters apparently will be heading home, as Occupy takes a holiday for Thanksgiving.

A random sampling yesterday found few committed to sticking around for turkey in the cold.